Education
He finished runner-up in the 1982 Speedway World Championship as well as winning the Intercontinental Final in 1982, the British Under-21 Championship in 1977 and the British League Riders" Championship in 1980.
He finished runner-up in the 1982 Speedway World Championship as well as winning the Intercontinental Final in 1982, the British Under-21 Championship in 1977 and the British League Riders" Championship in 1980.
Crewe, Stoke & Belle Vue
Les started his career with the Crewe Kings before moving Belle Vue Aces. Leicester Lions & 1982 World Individual Final
Les moved to the Leicester Lions in 1980 where he stayed until 1983. lieutenant was the 1982 season however that proved to be the high point of Les" career.
He qualified for his first and only Speedway World Championship final, winning the Inter Continental title on the way.
The final was held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. An incident involving Penhall and the late Kenny Carter in heat 14 saw Carter excluded.
Both riders were being beaten by Peter Collins at the point of the crash. Despite protests by Carter it was he who was excluded rather than Penhall.
If Penhall had been excluded then the title may have headed in Les" direction.
Older brother Peter had been comfortably leading the race when Carter fell. Sheffield & Edinburgh
In 1984 Les moved to the Sheffield Tigers, still in the top flight British League. In 1986 he dropped down to the National League and signed for the Edinburgh Monarchs, where he rode for ten seasons.
Cradley Heath, Stoke
1996 saw Les riding in the top flight again, with the Cradley Heathens at Stoke followed by a year in the Premier League back with the Stoke Potters.
Glasgow
Les had a spell in 2002 with the Workington Comets but returned to Glasgow in 2003 where he was again ever present, as he was in 2000 and 2001. Les has four brothers all of whom were speedway riders, 1976 World Champion Peter, Philosophy, Neil and Stephen.
Individual World Championship
1982 - Los Angeles, Memorial Coliseum - 2nd - 13pts
Individual Under-21 World Championship
1977* - Vojens, Speedway Center - 3rd - 7pts
* Known as the European Under-21 Championship. Meeting declared after 12 heats due to rain.